Author Scott Turow, in conversation with Alex Kotlowitz

As part of its RoundTable Reads program, the Evanston RoundTable is thrilled to present internationally renowned bestselling author and Evanston resident Scott Turow, who will discuss his latest book, Presumed Guilty. Turow will be in conversation with award-winning author, Alex Kotlowitz.

A book signing will follow the program. Copies of Presumed Guilty will be available for purchase on site, courtesy of Booked, an independent bookstore in Evanston.

About the book

In a sequel to Presumed Innocent, the book that redefined the legal thriller and served as the basis for Apple TV+’s most-watched drama series ever, judge and lawyer Rusty Sabich returns to the courtroom to defend his step-son against a murder indictment as the boy’s life—and perhaps Rusty’s last chance at happiness—hang in the balance.

Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears.

Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae. Days later, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first-degree murder.

Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.

“The trial that follows is a master class in legal suspense as Turow weaves together the devastation of Aaron and Bea’s families, simmering racial prejudice, and the impact of smalltown politics within a framework of deliciously tense courtroom dynamics. This is manna for legal-thriller fans." — Booklist, Starred Review

“Turow keeps readers guessing... This easily ranks among Turow’s best. — Publisher’s Weekly, Starred Review

“No one stages courtroom scenes better than this celebrated Chicago attorney. An absorbing and entertaining read.— Kirkus

About Scott Turow

Scott Turow, a writer, former practicing lawyer, and Evanston resident, is the author of thirteen bestselling works of fiction, including Presumed Innocent and most recently, Suspect. Mr. Turow has also published two nonfiction books, including One L, about his experience as a law student. His books have been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than thirty million copies worldwide, and have been adapted into movies and television projects. He has frequently contributed essays and op-ed pieces to publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic.

About Alex Kotlowitz

Alex Kotlowitz is the author of four books, including the national bestseller, There Are No Children Here, which the New York Public Library named one of the 150 most important books of the twentieth century. His book, The Other Side of the River, received The Chicago Tribune’s Heartland Book Award. His most recent book, An American Summer, received the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize. A former staff writer at The Wall Street Journal, Alex’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine and on This American Life. He’s a professor at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism.